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Do you need a Florida fishing license?
Yes. Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Florida fishing license to fish in fresh or salt water. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issues separate freshwater and saltwater licenses, plus species permits for snook, tarpon, lobster, and reef fish.
Florida residents 65 and older fish free with proof of age and residency. Residents and non-residents under 16 fish free. Anyone fishing from a licensed pier or saltwater charter is typically covered by the operator's blanket license.
Florida fishing license cost in 2026
A resident annual freshwater license is $17. A resident annual saltwater license is $17. A resident Freshwater/Saltwater Combo is $32.50, and a Sportsman's License (covers fishing, hunting, and most permits) is $80.50.
Non-residents pay $47 for an annual freshwater or saltwater license, $30 for a 7-day license, and $17 for a 3-day license. Species permits: Snook Permit is $10 for residents/non-residents, Tarpon Tag is $51.50, Spiny Lobster Permit is $5, and Reef Fish Permit is free but required for offshore reef species.
Lifetime licenses are available to Florida residents: $126.50 (ages 4 and under), $226.50 (ages 5-12), and $401.50 (ages 13+). Lifetime Sportsman Licenses run $1,001.50 for ages 13+.
Where to buy a Florida fishing license
Buy online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, the official FWC licensing site. Licenses can be printed or stored in the Fish|Hunt FL mobile app. You can also call 1-888-486-8356.
In person, licenses are sold at all county tax collector offices, Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Dick's Sporting Goods, and most bait-and-tackle shops. Licenses are valid for 12 months from purchase date, not the calendar year.
Florida free fishing days in 2026
Florida offers four Free Fishing Days each year. The 2026 freshwater dates are the first Saturday and Sunday in April (April 4-5, 2026) and the second Saturday and Sunday in June (June 13-14, 2026). Saltwater free fishing days are the first Saturday and Sunday in June and the first Saturday in September.
All bag, size, season, and gear rules apply on free fishing days, including species permits (snook permits are still required to keep snook even on free days).
Key Florida fishing regulations
Largemouth bass have a 5-fish daily limit, with no more than 1 over 16 inches in most freshwater regions. Black crappie limit is 25 per day. Channel and white catfish daily limits are typically 6 or unlimited depending on water.
Saltwater limits: snook has tightly regulated slot limits (28-32 inches Atlantic, 28-33 inches Gulf) and seasonal closures, plus a Snook Permit. Redfish has a 1-fish daily limit in most regions (18-27 inch slot). Spotted sea trout, tarpon (catch-and-release with tag for trophy), and grouper have region-specific seasons.
Florida enforces specific reef-fish gear rules (descending devices and circle hooks required offshore) and area-specific rules in Biscayne Bay, the Everglades, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Best fishing in Florida
Lake Okeechobee is Florida's premier largemouth bass fishery, producing trophy bass year-round and a winter peak. The St. Johns River, Lake Kissimmee, and Rodman Reservoir round out the freshwater big-bass list.
The Florida Keys deliver world-class tarpon, bonefish, permit, and offshore mahi action. The Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon are sight-fishing meccas for redfish and trout. Boca Grande Pass holds the world's largest tarpon migration each May and June.
Find more lakes, rivers, and saltwater spots in GilledIt's Florida directory at /us/fishing-pond-directory/florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
A resident annual freshwater or saltwater license is $17 each, and the combo is $32.50. Non-residents pay $47 annual, $30 for 7 days, or $17 for 3 days.
Anglers age 16 and older need a Florida fishing license. Children under 16 fish free, and residents age 65+ fish free with proof of age and residency.
Freshwater: April 4-5 and June 13-14, 2026. Saltwater: first weekend of June and first Saturday of September. Bag limits and species permits still apply.
Florida requires a Snook Permit ($10), Tarpon Tag ($51.50) to keep tarpon, Spiny Lobster Permit ($5), and a free Reef Fish Permit for offshore reef species like grouper and snapper.
Yes. Florida resident lifetime licenses range from $126.50 for ages 0-4 to $401.50 for ages 13+. Lifetime Sportsman Licenses with hunting and permits start at $1,001.50.
Not on a pier that holds a Pier Saltwater Fishing License, which covers anglers fishing from that structure. Always confirm with the pier operator before fishing.